Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!

www.nytimes.com/2025/05/23/books/review/summer-beach-reads.html

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/05/27/books/review/canada-novel-locations.html

www.nytimes.com/2025/05/28/books/new-books-june.html

www.nytimes.com/2025/05/29/books/review/new-romance-books.html

90-Day Challenge to Engage Your Mind and Improve Focus

by Matthew Stock

#WordSearchPuzzlesforBrainFitness #NetGalley

This book is part of a series of puzzles by this publisher. This time the focus is on word search puzzles.

As the title indicates, the puzzles offer a 90 day challenge. So, there are 10 easy puzzles, followed by 40 medium ones and, finally, 40 hard ones. Each word search has a theme, as for example, Pizza Party where there are words like anchovy and spinach, to name just two. As the puzzles get more difficult, they are bigger and the words may appear in more directions with more overlaps.

Some bonus puzzles are also included. For those who are unfamiliar with this type of puzzle, there are some guidelines and suggestions before the first puzzle page.

Looking for some gentle brain stimulation this summer? Want to have some fun at the same time? If so, this title is worth a look.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Zeitgeist for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 15 July 2025

Puzzles

256 pages

A Novel

by Martha Hall Kelly

#TheMarthasVineyardBeachandBookClub #NetGalley

I was drawn to this book by both its title and cover. I always look at books that are about books and the 1940s look of this one also appealed to me. True confession-I had never before read anything by this author. I will definitely be reading from her backlist as I very much enjoyed this title.

Martha’s Vineyard…WWII…Sisters…Relationships…Those who may want to stay or leave…Class distinctions…Publishing…Books…all excellent ingredients for (historical) fiction.

The story came to life as a character in the present travels to Martha’s Vineyard to learn more about her recently deceased mother. The artist with whom she connects, Elizabeth Devereaux, has a lot to say and this forms the part of the narrative set in the past. Much happens to Cadence and Briar as readers will discover.

Through this novel, I learned something about what life was like for the islanders during WWII. Think u-boats for one. This was interesting as it was a change from the many stories set in France during the period.

Anyone who enjoys historical fiction and/or good stories about women will want to pick this one up.

Of interest is the author’s note about what inspired her to write this novel.

Many thanks to Random House and Ballantine for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 27 May 2025

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Martha Hall Kelly’s tale of the home front is simply irresistible. Coming of age in dangerous times, the Smith girls find strength in dreams, family, the land, and in the life-changing power of books. This story drew me in, then swept me away!”—Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shelterwood

“A dreamy beach book that also sizzles with tension . . . another winner by one of the best historical fiction writers around.”—Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen

“A heart-in-your-mouth tale of family, friendship, and romance as a small American island finds itself on a potential frontline of World War II.”—Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake

“Celebrates the magic of books, family, and truth as several women—bound by blood and friendship—discover their destinies.”—Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Daughter

“Martha Hall Kelly turns her pen stateside to Martha’s Vineyard during World War II, where the Smith sisters realize the war will leave their world forever changed . . . A delight.”—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestsellingauthor of The Briar Club

“Inspired by true events, Kelly’s new novel explores friendship, family dynamics, and the power of books to unite communities. Recommended for historical fiction readers who enjoy the work of Kristin Hannah, Marie Benedict, and Kate Quinn.”—Library Journal

From the Publisher

I am delighted to be on this tour. Many thanks to the team at HTP for this opportunity.

Book Summary: 

For fans of Elin Hilderbrand, a riveting exploration of family, sisterhood, and the transformative power of literature. When two sisters, one a free spirit at the helm of a rebellious book club, the other a conventional woman locked in the clutches of an unhappy marriage are forced into a reluctant reunion by their mother’s illness, they must confront past ghosts that rock the entire community.

Gia Rossi was considered a bit of a rebel in her small hometown of Wakefield, Iowa ever since she challenged the gaggle of well-meaning but misguided women from the PTA who’d insisted the high school English department, drop a number of “controversial” titles from the reading list. Gia had expected her favorite teacher to stand up for the books she loved by explaining why they were so important. Instead, just to avoid a fight, he’d caved in immediately, which was what had incited her to start The Banned Books Club.

That was the first time Mr. Hart had let her down, but it wouldn’t be the last. Because of him she left her hometown when she turned eighteen and graduated. But now, with her sister begging her to return home due to their mother’s failing health, Gia will come face to face with the beloved teacher who was fired after she reported him for sexual misconduct. Gia’s return has the town divided between those who believe her and those who believe she ruined Mr. Hart’s life. Even members of her beloved book club–who’ve continued to meet virtually over the years–aren’t sure who to believe.

Gia’s homecoming dredges up a lot of pain from her past. Her relationship with her sister has always been strained but there’s no denying that Margot has taken on the burden of caring for their mother and now it’s Gia’s turn to help. She’s grateful to have the time with her mother and to come to terms with what happened to her in high school. What she doesn’t expect is for her sister to use Gia’s arrival as the opportunity to pack up her kids and leave town to escape her emotionally abusive husband. With the support of an unlikely ally, Gia is able to prove that Mr. Hart really was to blame for his own downfall, supports her mother and her sister when they need her most and finds love and a future in the town she thought rejected her.

Start reading:

“Wait…you’re not still running that book club you started in high school, are you?”

Gia Rossi had been shopping at her local grocer when her sister called. “I’ve never really stopped. Not completely.” She switched her phone to her other ear, so she could use her more dexterous left hand to steer her empty shopping cart across the parking lot to the reclamation point.

“Most of the members weren’t your friends. They were just people who blindly followed you no matter what you did,” her sister pointed out drily.

Was there a hint of jealousy in that response? Margaret, who’d been known as Maggie when they were kids but now called herself a more distinguished Margot, was only thirteen months younger than Gia, so just one year behind her in school. Margot hadn’t been nearly as popular—but it was because she’d never done anything exciting. She’d been part of the academic group, too busy excelling to be going out having fun.

“A few of them were close friends,” Gia insisted. “Ruth, Sammie and a handful of others are still in the book club with me, and we rotate picking a read.”

“Seriously? It’s been seventeen years since you graduated. I thought you left them and everything else behind when you dropped out of college and took off for Alaska.”

Her sister never would’ve done something that reckless, that impulsive—or that ill-advised. Gia had walked away from a volleyball scholarship at the University of Iowa, which was part of the reason her family had freaked out. But she was glad she’d made that decision. She treasured the memories of freewheeling her way through life in her twenties, learning everything she could while working on crabbing and fishing boats and for various sightseeing companies. She wouldn’t have the business she owned now, with a partner, if not for that experience. “No. We fell off for a bit, then we went back to it, then we fell off again, and now we meet on Zoom to discuss the book we’re reading on the fourth Thursday of every month.” She lowered her voice for emphasis. “And, of course, we make sure it’s the most scandalous book we can find.”

Margot had never approved of the book group or anything else Gia did—and that hadn’t changed over the years, which was why Gia couldn’t resist needling her.

“I’m sure you do,” Margot said, but she didn’t react beyond a slightly sour tone. She’d grown adept at avoiding the kind of arguments that used to flare up between them, despite Gia sometimes baiting her. “So seven or eight out of what…about sixty are active again?”

“For one month out of the year, the ratio’s quite a bit better than that,” she said as the shopping cart clanged home, making her feel secure enough to walk away from it. “The rest of the group gets together for an online Christmas party in December.”

“How many people come to that?”

Margot sounded as if she felt left out, but she’d never shown any interest in the book group. “Probably fifteen or twenty, but it’s not always the same fifteen or twenty.” She opened the door to her red Tesla Model 3, which signaled the computer to start the heater—something she was grateful for since she hadn’t worn a heavy enough coat for the brisk October morning. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, didn’t usually turn this cold until November or December.

The car’s Bluetooth picked up the call as Margot asked, “Why haven’t you ever mentioned it?”

Now that they lived thirteen hundred miles apart, there were a lot of things she didn’t tell her sister. It wasn’t until she’d left her hometown behind that she’d felt she could live a truly authentic life—one without the constant unfavorable comparisons to her “perfect” sibling.

But that wasn’t why she hadn’t mentioned the book group. She’d assumed her sister wouldn’t want to hear about it. Margot had been mortified when Gia challenged the gaggle of well-meaning but misguided women from the PTA who’d descended on Room 23 on Back-to-School Night, insisting Mr. Hart, head of the English department, drop The Catcher in the Rye, The Outsiders and The Handmaid’s Tale from the Honors English reading list. Gia had expected her favorite teacher to stand up for the books she loved by explaining why they were so important. She’d known how much he’d loved those books, too. Instead, just to avoid a fight, he’d caved in immediately, which was what had incited her to start a club that championed the books they’d targeted—as well as others.

That was the first time Mr. Hart had let her down, but it wouldn’t be the last. “If you’d ever joined the club, you’d be on the email list,” she said as she backed out of the parking space.

“I would’ve, but you know me. I don’t really read.”

Her sister would not have joined. The Banned Books Club was far too controversial for Margot. It would’ve required a bit of rebellion—something she seemed incapable of. And maybe she didn’t read much fiction, but Gia knew her to consume the occasional self-help tome. That was probably how she reassured herself she was still the best person she knew, because if there was anyone who didn’t need a self-help book, it was Margot. Their parents’ expectations were more than enough to create her boundaries.

“You should try reading along with us now and then. It might broaden your horizons.” As good as Margot was, she had a mind like a steel trap—one that was always closed, especially when faced with any information that challenged what she already believed. She lived inside a bubble of confirmation bias; the only facts and ideas that could permeate it were those that supported her world view.

“I’m happy with my horizons being right where they are, thank you.”

“You don’t see the limitations?”

“Are you trying to offend me?” she asked.

Gia bit back a sigh. That was the difference between them. Margot would sacrifice anything to maintain her position as their parents’ favorite child, to gain the approval of others, especially her husband, and be admired by the community at large. Growing up, she’d kept her room tidy, gotten straight As and played the piano in church. And these days, she was a stay-at-home mom with two children, someone who made a “hot dish”—what most people outside the Midwest would call a casserole—for any neighbor, friend or acquaintance who might be having surgery or suffering some kind of setback.

Her conventionalism was—in certain ways—something to be admired. As the black sheep of the family, Gia knew better than to try to compete with Margot. That wasn’t possible for someone who couldn’t take anything at face value. She had to question rules, challenge authority and play devil’s advocate at almost every opportunity, which was why she was surprised that her sister had been trying, for the past two weeks, to convince her to come home for the winter. Their mother’s health had been declining since she’d been diagnosed with breast cancer. It was at stage four before they discovered it, and the doctors had done what they could, but Ida hadn’t responded to treatment. Margot claimed their mother wasn’t going to last much longer, that Gia should spend a few months with her before it was too late. But Gia was surprised Margot would risk the peace and contentment they all seemed to enjoy without her.

Gia wasn’t sure she could go back to the same family dynamic she found so damaging, regardless. She and her business partner ran a helicopter sightseeing company for tourists and flew hunters and fishermen in and out of the remote wilderness—but Backcountry Adventures was closed during the coldest months, from November to February. She would soon have the time off, so getting away from work wouldn’t be a problem. It was more that when she was in Wakefield, the walls seemed to close in around her. It simply got too damn hard to breathe. “Fine,” she grumbled. “Don’t answer that question. But speaking of limitations, how’s Sheldon?”

“Seriously, Gia? I’m going to assume you didn’t mean to ask about him in that way,” her sister stated flatly.

There was no love lost between Gia and her brother-in-law. She hated the way he controlled Margot, how he could spend money on hunting or fishing or buying a new camper, but her sister had to scrape and bow for a new pair of jeans. Margot explained it was because he earned all the money, that he was trying to be a good “manager” by giving her such a tight budget so the business would be successful and they’d have money to retire in old age, but to Gia, it seemed that Margot was making all the sacrifices. Stingy was stingy, and yet he was the one who wanted Margot at home, waiting for him with a hot meal at the end of the day. Their boys, Matthew and Greydon, were eight and six, both in school. Margot could work part-time, at least, establish something of her own, if Sheldon wasn’t calling all the shots.

“It was a joke.” Gia really didn’t want to cause problems in her sister’s marriage. Margot insisted she was happy, although if that were her life, Gia probably would’ve grabbed her kids and stormed out of the house—for good—long ago.

“He’s doing great. He’s been busy.”

“It’s deer hunting season. I assume he’s going.”

“Next week.”

And what will you do—stay home and take care of the kids and the house while he’s gone? Gia wanted to ask, but this time she managed to bite her tongue. “He’s going to Utah again?”

“Yeah. They go there every year. One of his buddies grew up in Moab.”

“Last winter, Sheldon’s business slowed down a bit, so I’m surprised to hear you say he’s been busy.”

“That was the economy in general. All trucking companies took a hit. I don’t think the same thing’s going to happen this year, though. He just bought two new semis and is hiring more drivers.”

“He’s quite the businessman.” Gia rolled her eyes at her own words. He hadn’t built the trucking business; he’d inherited it from his parents, who remained heavily involved, which was probably what saved it from ruin. But thankfully, Margot seemed to take her words at face value.

“I’m proud of him.”

He was proud of himself, could never stop talking about his company, his toys, his prowess at hunting or four-wheeling or any other “manly” pursuit. Gia was willing to bet she could out-hunt him if she really wanted to, but the only kind of shots she was willing to take were with her camera.

Still, she was glad, in a way, that her sister could buy into the delusion that Sheldon was a prize catch. “That’s what matters,” she said as she pulled into the drive of her two-bedroom condo overlooking Mill River. The conversation was winding down. She’d already asked about the boys while she was in the grocery store—they were healthy and happy. She was going to have to ask about Ida before the conversation ended, so she figured she might as well get it over with. “And how are Mom and Dad?”

Her sister’s voice dropped an octave, at least. “That’s actually why I called…”

Gia couldn’t help but tense; it felt like acid was eating a hole in her stomach. “Mom’s taken a turn for the worse?”

“She’s getting weaker every day, G. I—I really think you should come home.”

Closing her eyes, Gia allowed her head to fall back against the seat. Margot couldn’t understand why Gia would resist. But she’d never been able to see anything from Gia’s perspective.

“G?” her sister prompted.

Gia drew a deep breath. She could leave Idaho a few weeks before they closed the business. Eric would cover for her. She’d worked two entire months for him when his daughter was born. She had the money, too. There was no good excuse not to return and support her family as much as possible—and if this was the end, say goodbye to her mother. But Gia knew that would mean dealing with everything she’d left behind.

“You still there?”

Gathering her resolve, Gia climbed out of the car. “Sorry. My Bluetooth cut out.”

“Did you hear me? Is there any chance you’d consider coming home, if only for a few weeks?”

Gia didn’t see that she had any choice. She’d never forgive herself if her mother died and she hadn’t done all she could to put things right between them. She wished she could continue procrastinating her visit. But the cancer made it impossible. “Of course. Just…just as soon as I finish up a few things around here.”

“How long will that take you?”

“Only a day or two.”

“Thank God,” her sister said with enough relief that Gia knew she couldn’t back out now. 

What was going on? Why would having her in Wakefield matter so much to Margot?

“I’ll pick you up from the airport,” her sister continued. “Just tell me when you get in.”

“I’ll get back to you as soon as I’ve made the arrangements.”

Excerpted from THE BANNED BOOKS CLUB by Brenda Novak. Copyright © 2024 by Brenda Novak. Published by MIRA Books, an imprint of HarperCollins.

Author Bio:

Brenda Novak, a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author, has penned over sixty novels. She is a five-time nominee for the RITA Award and has won the National Reader’s Choice, the Bookseller’s Best, the Bookbuyer’s Best, and many other awards. She also runs Brenda Novak for the Cure, a charity to raise money for diabetes research (her youngest son has this disease). To date, she’s raised $2.5 million. For more about Brenda, please visit http://www.brendanovak.com.

Buy Links:

HarperCollins: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-banned-books-club-brenda-novak 

BookShop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-banned-books-club-original-brenda-novak/20991020

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-banned-books-club-brenda-novak/1144493947?ean=2940190812299 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Banned-Books-Club-Novel/dp/0778387321 

Social Links:

Author website: https://brendanovak.com/ 

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12937.Brenda_Novak 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbrendanovak/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBrendaNovak 

THE BANNED BOOKS CLUB

Author: Brenda Novak

Publication Date: September 17, 2024

ISBN: 9780778369592

Format: Trade Paperback

Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing / MIRA

Price $18.99

#DirtyMoney #NetGalley

Charlotte Philby has written several other novels. Here she begins a series, something that will certainly make her readers happy.

Meet Farrow and Chang. Madeline Farrow is fifty years old, well-to-do, and works as a Detective Inspector in a Serious Crimes Unit. Ramona Chang is an investigative reporter and aspiring private detective who is less well off. The two join forces in their first outing together. Together they will provide readers with a thrilling story as they try to right some wrongs.

Recommended to those who would like to spend some time with a thriller. It may feel that it starts a little slow but stick with it.

I look forward to seeing the next title in this series.Many thanks to NetGalley and John Murray Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 13 February 2025

320 pages

Mystery & Thriller

Also by Charlotte Philby

What happens at: The End of Summer (Charlotte Philby)

#WelcometoBeachTown #NetGalley

Welcome to Beach Town will be a real treat for both new and old readers of Susan Wiggs’s books. WTBT is a well written, emotional novel with characters about whom readers will care. The plot is carefully developed and the locales are well described. As a bonus, readers will learn a lot about surfing, to say nothing of human relationships; there are those of parent figure/child, romantic partners, friends and others whom the characters meet along the way.

The story opens as Nikki is about to give her valedictory address at high school graduation. This poor student at a prestigious private school changes her planned remarks at the last minute. Why does she say what she does? How will this decision impact the rest of her life? Pick up this novel to find out.

Nikki grew up in Alara Cove where she was raised by a widowed father and later by an artistic foster mother/family friend. Both of these people had influence on her as did her love of surfing. Readers will get to know others who are important to Nikki as well including her foster sister and close friend Cal as well as Nikki’s first love.

Nikki faces both tragedies and good moments in these pages. As a reader, I longed for her to find happiness and hoped that Ms. Wiggs would not disappoint in that respect. Well, read the story to find out for yourself.

I highly recommend this book. It is one of the author’s best. Library Journal agrees and gave it a starred review. They state: Fans of the prolific Wiggs and of strong women protagonists will stay up all night to finish this speeding bullet to the best-seller list.

Many thanks to NetGally and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date; 20 June 2023

From the Publisher

by Kate Storey

The Memory Library tells the story of a mother and daughter who have a complex relationship-is that not always the case? For Sally and Ella in particular, their issues lead them to live on opposite sides of the world (England and Australia) for decades. When Sally suffers a bad fall, Ella returns to England for a month and the stage is set.

One thing that I very much liked in this story was the love for books that came across quite clearly. Early on Sally reads Little Women to Ella and gives her a copy of her very own. They enjoy a tradition of a new birthday book each year. What a nice idea!

The title comes from what Sally did during Ella’s absence. Each year she purchased a book for Ella and inscribed it. What happened to them? Can they ever be shared?

This story delves into the lives of these two characters and those around them. It looks at how a parent-child relationship might fall apart and how it could be healed. It offers a heartwarming and enjoyable read.

Recommended for anyone who enjoys stories about relationships and families.

Note for those with Kindle Unlimited, this is a free read. For others, it is worth buying.

Pub date: 01 February 2024

From the Publisher